When I think of Americans involved in missions, Dr. Georgalyn Wilkinson ranks right up at the top of my "Who’s Who" list. Dr. Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision, told me about this remarkable lady before I ever met her. I met her in Tokyo in the early ‘70s just after the Lord had taken her husband, David, to Himself. Her keenness of mind, inner beauty as well as outward attractiveness, clarity of personal purpose, passion to carry out the Lord’s Great Commission, her skill in always directing conversation to others and away from herself – these were some of the immediate observations I had made, which created for me a profound respect and appreciation for this lady.

It’s difficult for me to believe that one who appears as youthful as she could now be celebrating fifty years in ministry. In addition to her personal plusses and ingenious humor, I consider her one of contemporary Christianity’s premier communicators in both spoken and written word.

It is both easy and difficult to talk about such an amazing Spirit-filled friend as Georgalyn. Easy because of her many God-given attributes, and difficult because you want to be sure that the words you choose give Georgalyn her due right.

Georgalyn has an exceptional commitment to Christ that is hard to find. She is a tremendous blessing to international publishers around the world because of how she allows God to use her to bless and encourage others.

One of my memorable experiences is 18 years ago when I attended the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany for the first time. I did not know any U.S. Christian publishers. Georgalyn was the first person who invited me to her booth and spent A LOT OF TIME with me, sharing her vision and presenting books. Just imagine how she was perfectly patient with me since I didn't speak English at all.

Over the years, when we meet at book conventions around the world she always brings her special heart-gifts for me and my family. Her heart is always and totally focused on building the Lord's Kingdom first. I am very thankful to God for allowing me to meet Georgalyn at the very beginning of my publishing ministry. I am really honored she calls me her friend.

When I think of Georgalyn, I think of a woman of faith, a woman of missions, a woman passionate about the gospel; a woman of integrity; a faithful friend, a compassionate employer; a gifted speaker; a prayer warrior; a talented writer; committed to relationships and relationally elegant; a courageous woman; a creative woman; intuitively aware; persistent; a devoted and loving mother and mother-in-love, a doting and proud grandmother; showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality; and generous to a fault.

Looking back at 46 years of being Georgalyn's daughter I can sum up her effect on God's Kingdom in one word: Steadfast. Webster defines it as: fixed in direction; steadily directed; firm in purpose, resolution, faith and attachment; unwavering; firmly established.

From staying in Japan to continue God's plan after my father died, to taking over the leadership of GLINT, she has exemplified steadfastness. She has never lost her purpose or goal whether it be the ministry, motherhood, or friendships. Anyone who has come across her path can definitely attest to that.

One of my earliest memories of my mother is that of her beaming face as she excitedly told my sister and me stories of her day at "work". Night after night she would come home full of tales of what the Lord had done in her life, in her office, in the life of someone she met or talked with that day. I grew up fully convinced that nothing could be more exciting than being fully involved in God’s ministry.

Mom lived that out every day of her life. Her intimate faith and relationship with Jesus could not be contained and confined, but would spill out, bubbling over joyfully at any given moment, anywhere, and with anyone. Even during those inevitable and painfully difficult moments in ministry, she somehow held on to the deep-seated knowledge that "joy comes in the morning". And, indeed it always came.

Working for her Lord never ceased to fill her with a defined purpose, excitement and joy. From my earliest memory to this very moment, she has and will continue to inspire and instill in me, and undoubtedly countless others around the world, an excited eagerness to follow and serve the Master. This is the greatest gift she ever gave me!